The Guild Wars Website is now online,
along with the press
release announcing this online RPG, a collaboration between ArenaNet and
NCSoft. Though the game will log on for updates every time it is played, they
plan to require no subscription fees in North America ("and will offer a
variety of pricing options for gamers in other parts of the world"). The
game has a fantasy setting, and looks to cater to solo adventuring as well as
group efforts. Along with the announcement, the site carries a FAQ
as well as a Gallery
with the first images from the game and a wallpaper. Here's a bit from the
announcement on what to expect from this project, which will debut at E3, and is
due for release in the second quarter of 2004:

In the fantasy world of
Guild Wars, players can engage in cooperative group combat, in single player
adventures, or in large head-to-head guild battles. Guild Wars is a game that
will constantly evolve, using streaming technology to provide players with the
latest updates while they’re online. In addition, gamers will be able to play
Guild Wars without a monthly fee in North America. NCsoft will announce a
variety of pricing options for gamers in other parts of the world in the near
future.

“We’re excited to unveil Guild Wars,” said Patrick Wyatt, the original
producer and lead programmer for the Warcraft series. “We believe that players
are going to enjoy experiencing a game that offers technological advances that
fundamentally improve the online role-playing experience, and the introduction
of a groundbreaking business model for the genre.”

ArenaNet was founded by key members of the creative teams behind the hit game
series Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo, as well as Battle.net, one of the most
successful gaming networks in the world.

They've probably got deals in place with North American ISPs to provide the connections. When you log on, you get a AT&T logo or something, then the game starts. Who knows? Fact is, they're making a free MMORPG. Woo.